IDV21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

For people in parts of East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:34 pm Thursday, 18 June 2026.

Damaging winds continuing over elevated areas of the northeast ranges today and Friday.

Weather Situation: North to northwesterly winds have strengthened over the northeast ranges ahead of a trough and cold front that will move eastwards across the state during today and Friday morning.

DAMAGING NORTH TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are occurring over exposed areas of the northeast ranges and will continue through the rest of today and into Friday, mainly at elevations above 1500 metres. Conditions are expected to ease during Friday.

Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

96 km/h wind gust was observed at Falls Creek at 6:10 pm.

90 km/h wind gust was observed at Mt Buller at 6:19 pm.

122 km/h wind gust was observed at Mt Hotham at 3:32 pm.

Sustained 79 km/h winds were observed at Mount Hotham in the 10 minutes around 3:25 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 am AEST Friday.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.